Learn how to respond to market volatility, the risks of private credit investing, and key tax updates for 2025.

Should you adjust your 401(k) amid uncertain market conditions? How do you decide between the standard deduction and itemizing on your taxes? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss stock market volatility and tax season essentials to help you make smarter financial choices. NerdWallet senior news writer Anna Helhoski and investing writer Sam Taube, join Sean and Elizabeth to discuss recent stock market swings, covering how new tariffs on major trade partners are affecting the economy. They provide insights into why markets react to policy changes, the risks of panic-selling investments, and strategies for how you can maintain a steady financial course through uncertain or turbulent times. 

Then, NerdWallet tax writer Bella Avila joins Sean and Elizabeth to answer listeners’ burning tax questions, including explaining key filing deadlines, recent tax bracket changes, and when it makes sense to itemize deductions instead of taking the standard deduction.

NerdWallet’s federal income tax calculator: https://www.nerdwallet.com/calculator/tax-calculator 

Use NerdWallet’s dividend calculator to estimate your long-term returns and tax liability on a dividend stock, assuming dividends are reinvested: https://www.nerdwallet.com/calculator/dividend-calculator 

Learn about qualified and nonqualified dividend tax rates: https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/taxes/dividend-tax-rate 

In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: stock market volatility, private credit investing, how to invest in private credit, retirement account changes, investing during a downturn, tax season 2025, tax deadline 2025, tax filing tips, tax brackets 2025, standard deduction vs itemized deduction, IRS Free File, Direct File IRS, how to file taxes for free, Roth IRA contribution limits, how dividends affect Roth IRA, reinvested dividends and taxes, backdoor Roth IRA, qualified vs ordinary dividends, investment risk tolerance, impact of tariffs on stock market, shadow banking, alternative investments, investing in private credit, tax changes for 2025, how to estimate tax payments, how to avoid tax penalties, and e-filing vs paper filing.

To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected].

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